Your AR-15’s charging handle is one of the most important AR parts to firearm operation, despite the fact that it is also one of the most unassuming.
This short guide will break down the details associated with what this part is, and when and why you might want to consider an AR charging handle upgrade.
What Is a Charging Handle?
The charging handle is the part that is used to manually manipulate the rifle’s action. By engaging the AR15 charging handle and sliding it to the rear, the bolt carrier group can be withdrawn from the action, opening it.
Therefore, the charging handle is both used to charge the action, hence the name, and to clear jams from it. It can also be used to visually inspect the action.
Side vs. Rear Charging Handles
The vast majority of AR-15 rifles are rear-charging. In this configuration, the charging handle sits at the rear of the receiver.
A smaller subset of ARs and AR-style rifles are side-chargers, in which case the charging handle protrudes from the upper receiver, and is attached to the bolt carrier group or a connector, through the ejection port, or near it.
There are some advantages associated with side-chargers, including superior ergonomics and handling, the ability to maintain a cheek weld while manually manipulating the action, and the fact that a side-charging configuration leaves more room over the receiver for optics and other attachments.
What’s the Forward Assist, Then?
The forward assist is also used for manual manipulation of the action, but in a very different way from the charging handle, which is used to open the action.
Rather, the forward assist is like a button or plunger that can be tapped to ensure that the bolt carrier group is fully forward and in battery. Sometimes, if the recoil spring doesn’t fully return the BCG to battery the forward assist can be used to fully close the action.
Types of AR15 Charging Handles
As far as rear-charging AR rifles are concerned, there are several types of charging handles, including the following.
- Mil-spec charging handles: Mil-spec AR-15 charging handles are among the most basic on the market, and are manufactured according to military specifications. As such they will work with any mil-spec build. Also, many manufacturers produce them, making them highly accessible and cheap. This is the most affordable option at your disposal.
- Ambidextrous charging handles: Standard AR charging handles are designed for right-handed operators. Naturally, ambidextrous charging handles, also known as ambi charging handles, can be manipulated with equal ease using either hand. These have locking latches on both sides, as opposed to the single locking latch of mil-spec charging handles.
- Oversized charging handles: Some charging handles are also known as “oversized” charging handles. These are basically just larger charging handles, as the name suggests, and are easier to manipulate in the dark, in the cold, or with gloved hands.
- Suppressor charging handles: Suppressor charging handles are designed to be used with platforms that are suppressed as they provide better gas dispersal thanks to integral gas deflection features and don’t vent as much hot gas in the face of the operator.
- Side-charging handles: Side-charging handles constitute a broader class of different types of charging handles that protrude from the side of the rifle, rather than from the rear of the receiver.
Why Upgrade Your AR15 Charging Handle?
While there are many other arguably more impactful AR parts that you can upgrade on your rifle, there are some circumstances in which it might make sense to upgrade your AR charging handle.
One is if you don’t like the ergonomics of your current charging handle. A newer replacement might offer smoother operation than your current model.
Another is if you are left-handed and working with a right-handed rifle. Swapping your current one out for an ambidextrous charging handle may improve operator friendliness.
One other reason you should swap your AR-15 charging handle is if you simply want more leverage over manual cycling of the action. Oversized charging handles offer greater purchase and control, making it easier to clear jams. They are also easier to operate in the cold or when wearing gloves.
Finally, one other good reason to upgrade your AR charging handle is if you run a suppressor, which will increase back pressure on the BCG. In this scenario, the superior gas venting features of a suppressor charging handle will outperform other AR charging handles on the market.
Shop Charging Handles and Other AR Parts Here
Ready to take the plunge and replace your AR-15 charging handle? The good news is that it’s one of the most straightforward upgrades you can make and that most charging handles are relatively affordable, as AR parts go.
Shop our full collection of charging handles and AR parts via the previous links and get in touch with us at Sales@MCSGearup.com if you have questions about compatibility, installation, or need recommendations.